John Boyega made some shocking revelations as to why he feels that a Black person will never play the James Bond character following Daniel Craig’s departure from the franchise with 2021’s “No Time to Die.”
All of the actors who have portrayed the British secret agent have been white.
In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz on the “Happy, Sad, Confused” podcast, Boyega claimed that his dismissal stemmed from what he was used to growing up despite rumors of the 30-year-old, Idris Elba, Regé-Jean Page, and Damson Idris possibly being considered for the role.
While promoting his films “Breaking” and “The Woman King, Boyega started the Aug. 30 conversation with Horowitz by saying that although he don’t necessarily believe that a Black James Bond will happen, it doesn’t mean he’s opposed to the idea.
The “Star Wars” star said on mark 25:59, “Look, man, you as a white man who grew up in a society with Bond as a white man, that’s normal to you. Even the mention of a Black Bond to me is like, ‘Oh, OK.’ I’m just here like, ‘OK, I don’t necessarily believe that, but if that’s what they’re doing, then OK.'”
He added, “That’s very surprising to me, but as an actor you just kind of stay out of that conversation. If it’s for you, then maybe then. But if it’s not, then you enjoy it in a movie theater like everybody else.”
On Sept. 2, days following Boyega’s remarks, Idris Elba shut down the James Bond rumors once and for all during his appearance on “The Shop: Uninterrupted.” The 50-year-old said, “It is not a goal for my career.”
Elba continued, “I don’t think that, you know, playing Bond will satisfy some of my personal goals.” The actor wrapped up the conversation by saying although everyone can envision him for this role, he feels the role doesn’t suit him.
He said, “I’m not that guy, but in everyone’s world I might be. And that — job done, because the truth is, you know, a lot of people are really seeing Idris playing Bond as the ‘alternative Bond.’ And as long as that alternative is existing, that’s great for the growth of f–king casting.”
Since then, no additional details regarding James Bond casting has been revealed.
